Maritime women demand more female representation in corporate, political spheres

Segun Oladipupo

The women in the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have called for more women’s contributions to the effectiveness of trade unionism in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the women at the International Women’s Day celebration at the secretariat, Vice President General, Comrade Funmi Fasan maintained that the contributions of women cannot be overstated saying that women remain under-represented in the governance hierarchy of trade unions especially in Nigeria.

Recall that the theme for 2024 IWD is Inspire Inclusion.

She added that “As disturbing a truth as this may sound, there is an enduring challenge of low female representation within the corporate and political governance space of the wider society as a result, outdated, systemic and parochial limitation imposed on the female folk.

“This is a self-evident phenomenon in our largely patriarchal society and it does not advance our economic and social well being in the long-run. Historically speaking, there is no scientific or empirical proof of societal regression occasioned by female permeation into spheres of governance.”

Speaking further, Comrade Fasan who said that trade unionism was founded on democratic ideals, added that any democracy that wants improvement in all of its socio-economic indices to have a robust female representation in its political positions.

“This helps to drive progressiveness inspired by industry, a promising pathway to all societal advancement.

“The agitation for the rights of the girl child to education, to freedom from female genital mutilation, to freedom from domestic and non-domestic, to freedom from all forms of gender-based discrimination should not be left to the women alone. It is a societal ideal that requires all hands on deck in order to achieve a just society which would favour our sons and daughters equitably,” she submitted.

Earlier, she appreciated President General of the union as well as the leadership of the union both at the branch and national levels for prioritizing the role of women play in the schemes of the work place, community and family.

In his address, the President General of the union, Comrade Abdulwaheed Adewale Adeyanju extolled the virtues of the women saying women ought to be celebrated on daily basis and not once in a year as it is being done.

He expressed confidence in women’s leadership in trade unionism.

According to him, women are knowledgeable and capable to deliver at workplace adding that women are practical people who say things as they are.

He promised to celebrate the women in the month of June adding that other women from other branches would be invited.

While appreciating the women for the successful organisation of the event, Adeyanju who doubles as the 1st Deputy President, Nigeria Labour Congress, promised to balance any inequality in the representation of women in the union.

In her keynote address, HR Manager, Gac Shipping, Mrs Bola Odunwole expressed gratitude to the MWUN President General for his support of women in the union and his commitment to gender equality.

She highlighted the growing number of women contributing to the maritime industry across various roles, from operations and boarding officers to leadership positions as Managing Directors.

“We celebrate women who are contributing to the future of maritime. Today we see that we have substantial number of women in the maritime sector. We have some of the women in operations, as boarding officers and some as Managing Directors. Women have come a long way in the maritime sector and you and I here represent that progress, ” she said.

Speaking on the theme for the 2024 International Women’s Day ‘Inspire Inclusion’ Odunwole urged women to take responsibility in dismantling stereotypes and combating discrimination.

While emphasizing the need for women to be dependable and professional, she cautioned against misconstruing this as an excuse for slacking off.

“We need to cut women some slacks but women should not take liberty for license. Do not make yourself a nuisance.

“Empower yourselves to shatter the glass ceiling. You should be open minded, willing to learn and have a female mentor, ” she said.